Problem Statement

According to the CDC, there are up to 13 diseases and 3 parasites that are directly transmitted by mosquitos and their bites. Of up to the 500 million people affected by these diseases each year, over a million of these cases are fatal. Because of the nature of their size, and how widespread they are, this is a worldwide issue.

“Mosquitoes.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Sept. 2020, www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/index.html.

Justification

The WHO reported that malaria alone killed up to 430,000 deaths in 2015.

A WHO study shows that Dengue, one of the most prudent mosquito-borne viruses, afflicts up to 20 million people a year in over 100 different countries.

Mosquito.com reports that a child dies from Malaria every 40 seconds.

Mosquito.com presented information stating that cases of Zika induce microcephaly, a congenital defect of cranium and brain size resulting in neurological defects in newborns usually resulting in death. The Zika virus also induces autoimmune disease known as Guillan-Barre syndrome. It damages nerve cells which cause muscle weakness, paralysis, and even death.

According to the EPA, mosquitos prefer to live in places like buckets, potted plants, toys, or anything as small as bottle caps.

The National Geographic reported that despite global efforts, there has been a small amount of effectiveness when tackling mosquitos. According to experts, global warming will likely increase their range and number.

Expert Questions/Responses

1. How effective are anti-mosquito sprays? How accessible are they to third-world countries?

2. Based on your experiences, what are the most preventative ways to avoid and treat mosquito bites.

3. Based off of your knowledge and experience, what can people do to reduce the number of mosquitos in their homes?

4. With the overwhelming amounts of data coming out about climate change, do you think this will affect the population and expansion of mosquitos worldwide?

Patients

Products

Conclusion

This problem within the overpopulation of mosquitos is a very real issue, whether it be by them serving of a nuisance or by bringing more serious life-threatening consequences. Their ability to populate at an extraordinary speed, and ability to survive most climates around the world shows no signs of slowing, especially with climate change warming the planet. The mosquito sprays and lanterns are effective, but cannot entirely ensure the protection of a bite, nor the transmission of one-of-many mosquito-related diseases. The risks, especially for third-world countries is too high for products to not be full proof against these small, and deadly insects.

References for Justification

“Executive Summary.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 29 July 2013, www.who.int/whr/1996/media_centre/executive_summary1/en/index9.html.

“General Information about Mosquitoes.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 27 July 2018, www.epa.gov/mosquitocontrol/general-information-about-mosquitoes.

“Mosquito Bites.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Sept. 2020, medlineplus.gov/mosquitobites.html.

“Mosquito-Borne Diseases.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 17 Oct. 2016, www.who.int/neglected_diseases/vector_ecology/mosquito-borne-diseases/en/.

“Mosquitoes and Diseases: A-Z.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 Mar. 2020, www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/diseases.html.

“Mosquitoes.” National Geographic, 24 Sept. 2018, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/group/mosquitoes/.

References for Patents

Butler, J. F., Marin, A. B., Warren, C. B., Wilson, R. A., & Mookherjee, B. D. (1995). HOUSEFLY, HORN FLY, AND MOSQUITO REPELLENTS AND APPARATUS USEFUL IN TESTING EFFICACY OF SAME (U.S. Patent No. 5,417,009). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Metaxatos, P. K., Maw, K. M., Nichols, E., & Nelson, E. C., Jr. (2007). MOSQUITO TRAP DEVICE (U.S. Patent No. US D545,936 S). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Tsai, Y.-Y. (2011). MOSQUITO REPELLENT LAMP (U.S. Patent No. USD634,808 S). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

References for Products

Amdro Quick Kill Outdoor Insect Killer Ready to Spray, www.amdro.com/all-products/quick-kill-outdoor-insect-killer-rts.

“Mosquito Dunks® - Summit Chemical Company: Mosquito and Insect Control Products.” Summit Chemical Company | Mosquito and Insect Control Products, 14 May 2018, www.summitchemical.com/mosquito/mosquito-dunks/.

Thermacell. “Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller.” Thermacell Repellents, www.thermacell.com/products/patio-shield-mosquito-repeller.